inhibitor

noun

in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhi-bə-tər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
Synonyms of inhibitornext
: one that inhibits: such as
a
: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical action
b
: a substance that reduces or suppresses the activity of another substance (such as an enzyme)

Examples of inhibitor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By the end of the film, the Department of Damage Control has its hands on the universal inhibitor. — Eliana Dockterman, Time, 31 July 2026 Lipfendra may offer a more convenient alternative to injectable PCSK9 inhibitors for people who need additional cholesterol lowering. — Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 24 July 2026 The approval, which came ahead of the FDA target date by nearly two months, covers patients with advanced or metastatic tumors with ROS1 mutations who previously tried an ROS1 kinase inhibitor. — Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 23 July 2026 As of July 16, the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor has been approved for consumer use. — Robert Glatter, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inhibitor

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of inhibitor was circa 1611

Phrases Containing inhibitor

Rhymes for inhibitor

See All Rhymes for inhibitor

Browse Nearby Words

inhibitive
inhibitor
in high dudgeon
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Cite this Entry

“Inhibitor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inhibitor. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

inhibitor

noun
in·​hib·​i·​tor in-ˈhib-ət-ər How to pronounce inhibitor (audio)
: one that inhibits: as
a
: an agent that slows or interferes with a chemical reaction
b
: a substance that reduces the activity of another substance (as an enzyme)
c
: a gene that checks the normal effect of another nonallelic gene when both are present
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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